Light in Architecture

1. Why did you choose this topic?

The idea came after my solo exhibition titled SPACE = LIGHT + (SHADOW) which has examined the relations between volumes and voids in micro natural structures. It is obvious that light and shadow play an intrinsic role in these relations. The question is what impact has the relation between light and shadow on the relations between volumes and voids and how an architectural interpretation depends on these relations if, according to Sigfried Giedion, architecture must have the power of speech.

2. What new perspectives does your book offer?

I believe it uncovers what has been known throughout most historical periods of architecture and also in vernacular architecture but is forgotten mainly on purpose whenever space is understood as an object of profit, that architecture is relational. One of the basic relations in architecture is the relation to light. In the book this is proved by analyses of Moholy-Nagy's Light-Space-Modulator, Libeskind's The Holocaust Tower, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Aalto's Studio Aalto in Helsinki.

3. What makes your topic relevant for current research debates?

Quantum physics is proving that the universe is relational, and by its theory it also challenges contemporary architecture. The book opens a potential research debate in this field as a counterpoint to tendencies for architecture to express merely the power of capital. It focuses on relation between light and shadow in space. As architecture is a human creation, the book opens also a psychological issue considering a balance between creative and shadow-destructive side of human psyche.

4. Choose one person you would like to discuss your book with!

I would love to discuss it with Karsten Harries. Much of his philosophical writings has been directed to architects. Speaking about architectural language he has developed Giedion’s statement that the main task of architecture is interpretation. He has followed Heidegger’s idea of the meaning of dwelling and being-with-one-another-in-the-world. I believe architecture is an art when it is able to answer relational questions in-the-world and express them.

5. Your book summary in one sentence:

Basic relations in architecture are relations to light and to space, and it depends on these relations if architecture is humane or not.